PES tells Burma-The hour of change is near, the world is watching

The Party of European Socialists joined up with the Socialist Group in the European Parliament to urge the Burmese government to seize the opportunity for peaceful change, and to warm the government against repression of the peaceful movement for change. In a joint letter to the Burmese authorities from PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen and Socialist Group Leader Martin Schulz, they write “We believe there is now a unique opportunity for a peaceful and orderly change in Burma. We fear that the consequences of not seizing that opportunity will be particularly harsh – especially for those who might stand in the way of change.”Their letter states “The hour of change is near. The world is watching.”“We call on the Junta to choose the wise path – and move rapidly towards a peaceful and democratic resolution of the current crisis.”But they also pledge to work for new sanctions if the regime uses violence against the protestors. “We will do all we can to ensure that violence by the regime will trigger new sanctions by the international community.”Rasmussen and Schulz highlight their “admiration and support for the brave people of Burma who are peacefully demanding democracy and justice in their country” and state that ”The images of opposition led by Buddhist monks underlines to the whole world the peaceful intent of this movement for change, and the fact that the demand for change comes from the very heart of Burmese society.”

Go to http://www.pes.org/ to read letters by the PES and the Socilaist Group in the European Parliament as well as an open letter by other Socialist responsibles